Shaky set to drop debut solo album

After years away from the music scene, the artist known as Shaky has recently returned with a bold, uncompromising vision that fully embraces his DIY ethos. A gifted guitarist from an early age, he initially found success as a touring musician before stepping back to focus on family and reviving his grandfather’s manufacturing business. Now, with his personal and professional life in balance, he’s reignited his passion for music, pouring his energy into a sound that’s entirely his own.

Writing, recording, performing and producing everything himself from his home studio, his approach isn’t born from necessity but preference. His music reflects this hands-on style, dripping with the raw energy and purity of an artist fully in control of his artistic output. A familiar name in indie and alternative circles, he’s previously performed and released music with bands such as Killer Bangs, The Hammills, Petal Crush, Cold Fronts and The Swinging Fingers.

Beyond his own music, Shaky has also made an impact behind the scenes. In 2024, he launched Shaky Records, an independent label designed to help friends release their music efficiently without the usual industry roadblocks.

Now, stepping into the spotlight as a solo act, he brings a new perspective while staying true to the underground roots that have always informed his work. Stepping out as a solo artist in April last year, he released his debut single “Earthquake,” quickly winning over fans and tastemakers with his hazy, psych-tinged rock sound. Followed up by a string of well-received tracks, he now brings us his most ambitious release to date with his upcoming debut full-length record titled Kinda Wild, a fourteen-track release that provides the perfect snapshot of his unique sound.

Interestingly, Kinda Wild wasn’t the original plan; a completely different album had been written and recorded with the intention of serving as his debut. However, a moment of clarity last year led Shaky to scrap that version in favour of something that felt truer to his artistic identity.

Kicked off by title track “Kinda Wild,” the bright strike of lightly gritty guitar notes and twanging chords is met by the crisp punch of drums and Shaky’s rich vocals spinning catchy melodic leads above, resulting in an anthemic indie rock outing. Gliding with steady rhythm, memorable vocal hooks and lofty lead licks, the slick ebb and flow of the arrangement channels a sound reminiscent of acts like The Strokes to form an epic sound that’s at once intimate and expansive.

“Quiet in the Night” follows with the lively patter of drums propelling the intricate call and response of guitar lines as Shaky’s voice joins to deliver jaunty leads above. With uptempo energy and an infectious chorus, it’s another superb showcase of his songwriting appeal and performance panache.

With “Sleep for Days,” the rolling shuffle of drums underpins crunchy guitar tones which give way to the pulse of bass in the verse as Shaky threads expressive vocal delivery into the art rock-tinged track. Other highlights include songs like “Still Smokin'” with its bouncy rhythms and storytelling lyricism, building with animated backing vocal lines and processed lead guitar tones.

“Silent Wonder” sees Shaky jump into a country pop sound with a grooving jam brimming with smooth vocal leads and stacks of intricate guitar layers. Peppered with elegant slide guitar and driven by splashing drums, it’s a charming outing that showcases Shaky’s artistic range and ability to reframe his songwriting in completely different settings.

“Tequila Jar” slows things down with a laid back groove of mellow drums and bass notes capped by subdued vocal performance and a dreamy arrangement peppered by airy instrumental flutters which rises to a swaggering burst of alternative riff-driven rock.

“The Ball” serves up a playful rhythmic energy of intricately tapped drums and instrumental stabs as Shaky’s impassioned vocals ring out above to craft a charming and danceable jam full of twists and turns. Closing the album with “Anything Anything,” the melancholic twirl of guitar notes erupts with charging drums and commanding vocals to deliver a rousing finale to Shaky’s sensational debut record as a solo artist.

Kinda Wild is set to be officially released in full on the 18th of April.